Bronze Birch Borer

TREE DOCTOR TIPS

Bronze Birch Borer (Agrilus anxius) When considering planting a birch tree, select a well- drained, sandy or loamy soil. Birches struggle in clay description: soils. Keep the tree healthy by proper fertilizing, watering, mulching and managing other insects and diseases. The bronze birch borer (Agrilus anxius) is a destructive Fertilizing can increase a birch’s tolerance to borer attack beetle that feeds on birch trees. Signs of this pest include and help it overcome previous borer damage. Plant more off-color and sparse foliage in the upper canopy of the tolerant species such as native paperbark, Betula papyrifera. birch tree, dead branches in the upper crown and swollen ridges on the trunk and branches. Small, D-shaped holes in the bark are the exit points of the adult beetle. hosts: This borer feeds on birch trees weakened from drought, poor growing conditions or other insect infestations, such as birch leafminer. European birch, Betula pendula, is highly prone to borer attack. The native paper birch (Betula papyrifera) is less susceptible, but not immune. biology and symptoms: Borer larvae make long, winding tunnels under the bark. This disrupts the vascular tissues, causing the trunk or branch to die from lack of water and nutrients. management: Applications in early to mid spring can reduce further borer infestations. Applications need to be made on rough areas of the bark on the main trunk and limbs, and a especially at branch-trunk ridges. However, do not expect to control larvae that are already inside the tree. figure a. a bronze birch borer on the exterior of a birch tree with visible d-shaped exit holes on the trunk A recent treatment involves using a soil-injected product (Steven Katovich, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org) in late summer/fall or early spring to reduce borer damage during the next growing season.

The scientists at The Davey Institute laboratory and research facility support our arborists and technicians in diagnosing and prescribing based on the latest arboricultural science. For specific treatment and application details, your arborist may consult The Davey Institute PHC Handbook.